Is it true that the “yellow book” symbolizes the glory of Islam? In certain perspectives, this statement holds true, especially when considering the golden age of Islam during the Middle Ages. For instance, Ibn Sina, renowned as an astronomer, philosopher, and medical expert, authored the monumental medical text, Al-Qanun (M Abrar- https://sahabatmuslim.id).
In the Islamic tradition of Nusantara, the yellow book serves as a medium for deepening knowledge, taught across all pesantrens in Indonesia. Consequently, the yellow book can be seen as a bridge connecting the scholarship of ulama from the 3rd century Hijri to the present day. Despite the passage of time, this tradition remains well-preserved. For example, the term “Halal Bihalal” is not found among Middle Eastern ulama but is derived from studies of earlier scholars’ works.
Discussing the yellow book reminds the writer of a famous pesantren slogan, “Al-Muhafadza Ala Al-Qadim Al-Shaleh Wal-Akhdzu Bil Jadidil Aslah,” which means preserving good old traditions while adopting better new ones. This phrase includes the concept of al-Qadim al-Shaleh, or preserving good old practices, into which the yellow book fits perfectly.
As times evolve, it must be acknowledged that the digital age has significantly changed students’ mindsets. With the proliferation of social media and platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and Telegram, the question arises: will the current generation still be interested in and capable of studying the yellow book?
Some argue that studying the yellow book is outdated. Is this assertion justifiable? Certainly not. The writer remains steadfast, guided by scholars like Imam Nawawi and Imam al-Zarnuji, who, in the book Ta’lim, caution: “Stick to the old sciences and be wary of new sciences that may be harmful.”